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In a notable move ahead of the upcoming general election, two high-profile personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This coalition emerges in the wake of large-scale and fatal young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the sitting government.

A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands

Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a former rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the issues highlighted by the new generation. This promise follows the turbulent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which led to considerable casualties.

"Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized.

The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident acted as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and persistent allegations of systemic graft in politics.

Details of the Fresh Political Agreement

According to the official agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will continue to serve as the leader of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March.

• Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old television personality, he founded the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political class. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime.
• Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that took over after the previous administration was dissolved.

Broader Political Consultations Underway

In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend held consultations with several major political figures. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the protests.

After these meetings, the prime minister posted on social media to emphasize that conducting a free and fair election is a collective responsibility. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.